Two masked robbers fled with cash from the Tecaz factory, in Norham Road, North Shields, North Tyneside, at 8.30pm, on Sunday.

A police spokesman said the men, who were armed with a screwdriver and knife, forced a security guard to open a safe and removed three buff bags with the name of Peckston Shipping Company. They locked the guard in a van before fleeing. Earlier in the day, a red four-door vehicle with four people inside was seen in the area. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-214 6555.

CLEANER ATTACKED: A window cleaner was robbed of his takings on his rounds in Chestnut Avenue, Harraton, Washington, Wearside, at 6.30pm on Friday. A police spokesman said the victim was approached by two men who punched him in the face and threatened him with a knife, before they fled with a small amount of cash. The suspects are described as in their late teens to early 20s, about 5ft 10in, and of slim build. They were wearing dark clothing.

INQUEST OPENED: An inquest was opened at Teesside Coroner's Court yesterday into the death of a 12-year-old boy. Stephen Dorn, from Billingham, Teesside, was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees on Thursday where he died. No cause of death has been given.

MAN ROBBED: A man was attacked and robbed outside the Four Lane Ends Metro Station, in North Tyneside, at 8.20pm on Friday. A police spokesman said the victim was approached by a group of youths, aged 15 to 18, and was dragged to the ground in Benton Lane. The gang ran off to the Longbenton estate. Anyone with information is asked to contact 0191-214 6555 ext 63346.

CASE ADJOURNED: The case against James Slade, 18, who was due to be sentenced by Chester-le-Street magistrates yesterday, was adjourned in his absence to March 10. He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm after attacking a fellow student on the final day of term at Durham School last year. A High Court judge upheld magistrates' decision to deal with the case, limiting Slade's sentence to a maximum of six months.

POTTER MAGIC: A Harry Potter-themed family magic show takes place on Thursday, at 11am. North-East magician Martin Duffy will be performing tricks and illusions in Montagu Library, Arlington Avenue, Newcastle.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: Volunteers are making an early start to their Christmas plans by organising a shopping weekend in Europe. A coach trip to the Belgian city of Bruges leaves on Friday, November 28 and costs £79. Telephone Butterwick Hospice, at Bishop Auckland, on (01388) 603003 to book a place.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: The Butterwick Children's Hospice is seeking more volunteers for its charity shops in Darlington and Teesside. Anyone willing to volunteer is asked to contact Sharon Cuthbert on (01642) 615248.

APPEAL DATE: The Teesside Male Voice Choir visits Richmond, North Yorkshire, next weekend. St Mary's Church hosts a concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, which will raise cash towards the organ restoration appeal. Tickets cost £5 and are available from the tourist information office.